Washington, D.C.-“Congress has abandoned its promise to afford every citizen life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Congresswoman Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, following the United States House of Representatives’ failure to override President Bush’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

“When the wealthiest nation prioritizes excessive spending on a morally and   

fiscally bankrupt war in Iraq while the neediest children go without health insurance, we have forfeited our commitment to America.”

“According to a recent CBS News poll, 81% of Americans endorse this bipartisan legislation that would have preserved coverage for six million children currently covered by CHIP, extended coverage to nearly four million uninsured children, as well as ensured dental coverage and mental health parity. This fully funded bill would have allocated $100 million in grants for new outreach activities to states, local governments, schools, community-based organizations, and safety-net providers.”

“The Bible teaches us that a new day will dawn when the ‘last will become first and the first will be last.’ Today, Congress and President Bush have banished our children and the underserved to the back of the line. We can and must do better.”

“The Congressional Black Caucus, 43 Members from 21 states, representing 40 million Americans, is resolute in our position to ensure health care for 10 million children and to protect the overall health and wellness of our most vulnerable citizens.”